Kalabsha

The enormous Temple of Kalabsha, dramatically situated above the placid waters of Lake Nasser at the top of the High Dam, is one of the most striking pharaonic ruins in the Aswan area. Dedicated to the Nubian god Mandulis, the temple was begun by Amenhotep n, erected primarily during the reign of Augustus, and used as a church during the Christian era. In 1962-3, the West German government paid to have the entire temple dismantled and transported in 13,000 pieces from its Nasser-flooded home to the present site, 50km north of the original. Many Egyptologists consider weil-preserved Kalabsha to be second only to the treasures of Abu Simbel. Slightly out of the way and not well publicized, the temple allows its few visitors a rare chance to explore in the absence of tourists, bazaars, and baksheesh seekers. The temple is located on the west bank of the Nile, just south of the High Dam and 2km past the checkpoint.

The cheapest way to reach Kalabsha Is by taking the train to the eastern end of the High Dam and then either walking or riding to the western side .The most convenient way, however, is by taxi from Aswan. Try bargaining downtoLE15 or LE20 for a large group (more than 5). You can include Kalabsha in an excursion to Philae and the dams (LE30 for a 5-person taxi). Don’t forget that the ‘ dam closes at 5pm. From the western side of the high dam you can walk most of the way to the temple (lkm), passing the abandoned hulls of marooned fishing fleets along the way. Bring plenty of water and cover your head. From about mid-July to mid-August, when the water is at its lowest, you may be able to wade through the muck to the temple. At other times you must get a rowboat for LE5 per person (groups of more than 8, LE3 per person). The rowboat rowers will insist at all times of the year that the temple is on an island and inaccessible by foot. The site is open 7am-6pm but the guard may be so surprised to have visitors that you’ll be allowed to stay later. (Admission LE6. students LF3.)